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Antique Measuring Tapes

Victorian Measuring Tape Bell Shaped
Victorian Measuring Tape Bell Shaped

Victorian Measuring Tape Bell Shaped

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Antique Victorian measuring sewing tape in a bell shape. Collectible

Category

1890s American Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Metal

English 19th Century Oak Drop Leaves Draper's Table with Brass Measuring Tape
English 19th Century Oak Drop Leaves Draper's Table with Brass Measuring Tape

English 19th Century Oak Drop Leaves Draper's Table with Brass Measuring Tape

Located in Atlanta, GA

An English oak draper's table from the 19th century, with brass measuring tape and drop leaves. Created in England during the 19th century, this oak table features a rectangular top ...

Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Brass

Vintage walking stick with horse measuring tape in bamboo, metal ferrule France
Vintage walking stick with horse measuring tape in bamboo, metal ferrule France

Vintage walking stick with horse measuring tape in bamboo, metal ferrule France

Located in Valladolid, ES

Amazing walking stick with a built-in horse sizer, crafted from bamboo with a silver-plated metal ferrule, dating from the early 20th century. Bamboo was a popular wood at the time, ...

Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass, Bronze

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure
Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure

Vintage Woman Figurine Lady Sewing Tailor Tape Measure

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Very charming small figurine of a lady that functions as a tape measure. This vintage piece was commonly found on a sewing table and has both centimeters as well as inch measurements.

Category

Early 20th Century German Folk Art Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Plastic

Antique Keuffel & Esser “Harvard” and “Dartmouth” Leather Tape Measures, Pair
Antique Keuffel & Esser “Harvard” and “Dartmouth” Leather Tape Measures, Pair

Antique Keuffel & Esser “Harvard” and “Dartmouth” Leather Tape Measures, Pair

Located in San Diego, CA

A wonderful pair of early 20th-century American measuring instruments by Keuffel & Esser Co. of New York, comprising the larger Harvard 100-foot tape and smaller Dartmouth 50-foot tape

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Leather

A 19th-century silver tape measure holder by Hermanus Heuring
A 19th-century silver tape measure holder by Hermanus Heuring

A 19th-century silver tape measure holder by Hermanus Heuring

Located in Delft, NL

A 19th-century silver tape measure holder by Hermanus Heuring A small silver tape measure holder, operated by a small swing handle.

Category

Early 19th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Silver

Beste Lederkapsel Vintage Roll Up Tape Measure, Leather & Brass, 1st half 20thc
Beste Lederkapsel Vintage Roll Up Tape Measure, Leather & Brass, 1st half 20thc

Beste Lederkapsel Vintage Roll Up Tape Measure, Leather & Brass, 1st half 20thc

Located in Atlanta, GA

Wonderfully patinated tape measuring to 20 meters but also in inches on the reverse of the tap, with brass winder and mid stripe as well as hook and keeper, inscribed “Not For Tradin...

Category

1920s Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Leather

Antique Cannetille and Filigree 14 Karat Gold Openwork Cufflinks
Antique Cannetille and Filigree 14 Karat Gold Openwork Cufflinks

Antique Cannetille and Filigree 14 Karat Gold Openwork Cufflinks

Located in Rotterdam, NL

They are in very good condition. The measuring tape in the photos shows the size in centimeters.

Category

Early 20th Century Dutch Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

14k Gold

Lamorna Colony Sheltered Cove Watercolor Painting by Thomas Herbert Victor
Lamorna Colony Sheltered Cove Watercolor Painting by Thomas Herbert Victor

Lamorna Colony Sheltered Cove Watercolor Painting by Thomas Herbert Victor

Located in New Windsor, NY

Losses around the edge of the gold tape. The piece measures approximately 6.88" wide x 5.38" high.

Category

Early 20th Century English Country Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Glass, Paper

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Hunt Buffet
19th Century French Renaissance Revival Hunt Buffet

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Hunt Buffet

Located in Dallas, TX

This example is particularly stunning, celebrating the spoils of the hunt as well as the many blessings we are fortunate to enjoy, rendered by a master wood sculptor in vivid full re...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Oak

Recent Sales

Vintage Leather and Brass Tape Measure
Vintage Leather and Brass Tape Measure

Vintage Leather and Brass Tape Measure

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Vintage leather and brass tape measure. Measures: 66 ft.

Category

Early 20th Century American American Classical Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Leather

Victorian Novelty Silver Policeman's Bullseye Lantern Tape Measure H W Dee, 1874
Victorian Novelty Silver Policeman's Bullseye Lantern Tape Measure H W Dee, 1874

Victorian Novelty Silver Policeman's Bullseye Lantern Tape Measure H W Dee, 1874

By Henry William Dee

Located in Sittingbourne, Kent

A very fine quality Victorian novelty cast silver tape measure made in the form of a Policeman's Bullseye Lantern, with intaglio initials 'DN' under the domed green glass lens.

Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Silver

Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui
Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui

Mid-19th Century Palais Royale French Mother-of-Pearl & Ormolu Sewing Etui

Located in London, GB

Wealthy women of the 19th century had tools, scissors, bobbins, tape measures, thimbles, and other accessories that were made of gold or silver and stored in fancy cases.

Category

Mid-19th Century French Empire Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Gilt Metal

Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone and Gold Lady's Necessaire
Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone and Gold Lady's Necessaire

Mother-of-Pearl, Abalone and Gold Lady's Necessaire

Located in Witney, OXFORDSHIRE

An exquisite and extraordinarily fine early 19th century mother-of-pearl Necessaire; the rectangular box lid with a central silver plaque engraved with the initials “AMW” within a bo...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Measuring Tapes

Antique Georgian English Sewing Etui Tortoise Shell Box Case
Antique Georgian English Sewing Etui Tortoise Shell Box Case

Antique Georgian English Sewing Etui Tortoise Shell Box Case

Located in San Marcos, CA

I'm not sure if that red tape is original to the tape measure, as it hasn't any markings, but truly, it's prettier and I like all of my measurements to be 'red' rather than 'read', a...

Category

Early 19th Century English Georgian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Colonial Chesterman's Leather Case Measuring Tape London in Original Box
Colonial Chesterman's Leather Case Measuring Tape London in Original Box

Colonial Chesterman's Leather Case Measuring Tape London in Original Box

Located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Rare and complete, imported British Colonial 50' Victorian era measuring tape in leather case with brass mechanism intact.

Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Brass

19th Century Italian Drapers Table
19th Century Italian Drapers Table

19th Century Italian Drapers Table

Sold

H 32.68 in W 125.99 in D 32.29 in

19th Century Italian Drapers Table

Located in Gloucestershire, GB

Of walnut construction with a bank of drawers with original handles and its original inset brass measuring tape.

Category

19th Century Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Walnut

A very rare George III Tape Measure
A very rare George III Tape Measure

A very rare George III Tape Measure

Located in London, GB

The top displays a handle to wind the linen tape measure back into the container when not in use.

Category

19th Century English Antique Measuring Tapes

Collection of Whimsical Antique Wood Tape Measures
Collection of Whimsical Antique Wood Tape Measures

Collection of Whimsical Antique Wood Tape Measures

Located in Atlanta, GA

All of the tape measures are delicate and should be handled with care.

Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Measuring Tapes

Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case
Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case

Antique Grand Tour Georgian Papier Mache Horn Snuff Boxes Lady's Etui Case

Located in Dublin, Ireland

Etu closes firmly, one snuff box has an old repair, see last image with measuring tape. Measures: Height: (etui) 4.25” (10.5cm).

Category

19th Century English Grand Tour Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Oak Mule Chest, Wales, circa 1730
Oak Mule Chest, Wales, circa 1730

Oak Mule Chest, Wales, circa 1730

Sold

H 37 in W 42.25 in D 21.75 in

Oak Mule Chest, Wales, circa 1730

Located in Culver City, CA

Oak Mule Chest Wales circa 1730 In original condition with ring and tape hinges. Measures: 42.25” W x 21.75” D x 37” H.   

Category

18th Century Welsh Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Oak

Antique Victorian Pearl Horseshoe 9 Carat Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
Antique Victorian Pearl Horseshoe 9 Carat Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet

Antique Victorian Pearl Horseshoe 9 Carat Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet

Located in New York, NY

ERA Victorian, 1837-1901 MEASUREMENTS Internal - 6cm / 2.3" x 4.6cm / 1.8" (The bracelet is oval) Internal Circumference - 16.5cm / 6.5" Weight - 8.9g MEASURING YOUR WRIST Use a t...

Category

18th Century English Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Pearl, Rose Gold

Fluted Scalloped Edge Industrial Camphor Glass Shades, Pair
Fluted Scalloped Edge Industrial Camphor Glass Shades, Pair

Fluted Scalloped Edge Industrial Camphor Glass Shades, Pair

Located in New Windsor, NY

The bulb socket opening is approximately 2" (see photo of tape measure).

Category

1920s American Industrial Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Glass

Antique Brass inlaid Rosewood Sewing Box
Antique Brass inlaid Rosewood Sewing Box

Antique Brass inlaid Rosewood Sewing Box

Sold

H 5.32 in W 8.86 in D 7.29 in

Antique Brass inlaid Rosewood Sewing Box

Located in Northampton, GB

The interior is lined in green silk with a removable sewing tray which contains five mother of pearl thread spools, a mother of pearl tape measure, thimble, needlebook and looped rib...

Category

Early 19th Century British Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Brass

Pair of 19th Century Yellow Chinese Vases Made into Lamps
Pair of 19th Century Yellow Chinese Vases Made into Lamps

Pair of 19th Century Yellow Chinese Vases Made into Lamps

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This pair of Chinese export yellow vases now mounted as lamps on custom giltwood bases with custom handmade smocked cream colored silk shades trimmed in pink ribbon and antique metal...

Category

19th Century European Chinese Export Antique Measuring Tapes

1837 Mitchell's "Tourist's Pocket Map of the State of Virginia" by J.H. Young
1837 Mitchell's "Tourist's Pocket Map of the State of Virginia" by J.H. Young

1837 Mitchell's "Tourist's Pocket Map of the State of Virginia" by J.H. Young

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Several fold separations have been stabilized on verso with archival tape. Light scattered foxing throughout. Two small areas of loss (Campbell County and Delaware) have been repaire...

Category

1830s American Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Paper

Coromandel Wood Gold Gilt Etui Sewing Kit Asprey Pencil Shell Cameos, circa 1860
Coromandel Wood Gold Gilt Etui Sewing Kit Asprey Pencil Shell Cameos, circa 1860

Coromandel Wood Gold Gilt Etui Sewing Kit Asprey Pencil Shell Cameos, circa 1860

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this very rare circa 1860 Coromandel wood gold gilt Etui sewing kit with Asprey pencil and shell cameos A very ornately engraved and extremely h...

Category

1860s English Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Wood

"Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence" by A.H. Wray
"Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence" by A.H. Wray

"Facsimile of the Signatures to the Declaration of Independence" by A.H. Wray

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

It is reinforced with acid free archival tape. Print measures 13 ½ H x 10 ¼ W. Framed Dimensions: 18 3/4"H x 14 7/8"W x 1"D.

Category

1850s American Federal Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Paper

Collection of Vintage Leather Measuring Tapes
Collection of Vintage Leather Measuring Tapes

Collection of Vintage Leather Measuring Tapes

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT Collection of four vintage leather measuring tapes. Two have metal tape and two have cloth tape.

Category

Early 20th Century Industrial Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Metal

Antique, Tennis Court Tape Measure
Antique, Tennis Court Tape Measure

Antique, Tennis Court Tape Measure

Sold

H 1.19 in Dm 3.78 in

Antique, Tennis Court Tape Measure

Located in Oxfordshire, GB

Rare lawn tennis court tape measure. This useful tool is made of brass with a 78' canvas tape.

Category

19th Century British Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Brass

Rare French Celluloid Flapper Tape Measure
Rare French Celluloid Flapper Tape Measure

Rare French Celluloid Flapper Tape Measure

Located in New York, NY

Rare art deco celluloid tape measure in the shape of an independant flapper.

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Measuring Tapes

Merchant & Mills Oilskin Sewing Kit
Merchant & Mills Oilskin Sewing Kit

Merchant & Mills Oilskin Sewing Kit

Sold

H 1.75 in W 9 in D 5 in

Merchant & Mills Oilskin Sewing Kit

Located in San Francisco, CA

About An oilskin pouch that holds 25 needles, one ounce box of dressmaking pins, measuring tape and wide bow scissors. Made in England.

Category

Early 20th Century English Industrial Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Metal

Small-Scale French Oak Draper's Table with Single Drawer, Kitchen Island
Small-Scale French Oak Draper's Table with Single Drawer, Kitchen Island

Small-Scale French Oak Draper's Table with Single Drawer, Kitchen Island

Located in Fayetteville, AR

Its single drawer held the scissors and measuring tapes, and its lower shelf kept rolls and folds of fabric at the ready.

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Oak

Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900
Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900

Dolphin Andirons, Bradley & Hubbard, Meriden, Connecticut, circa 1886-1900

By Bradley & Hubbard

Located in Downingtown, PA

Bradley and Hubbard was no exception, adding the production of flags, hoop skirts, spring measuring tapes and match safes during the war years.

Category

Late 19th Century American American Classical Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Iron

Four Movable Articulated Silver Fish Vintage Charm Pendants
Four Movable Articulated Silver Fish Vintage Charm Pendants

Four Movable Articulated Silver Fish Vintage Charm Pendants

Located in Rotterdam, NL

Some hallmarks are illegible. The measure tape in the pictures measures in centimeters.

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Silver

Antique 9K Gold Horseshoe Pendant with Pearls and Diamonds
Antique 9K Gold Horseshoe Pendant with Pearls and Diamonds

Antique 9K Gold Horseshoe Pendant with Pearls and Diamonds

Located in Rotterdam, NL

See the photos for the exact dimensions of the pendant placed next to a measuring tape.

Category

19th Century European Victorian Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold

‘Les Peintures des Taxidermistes’ No.8. Art Print Photo by Sinke & Van Tongeren
‘Les Peintures des Taxidermistes’ No.8. Art Print Photo by Sinke & Van Tongeren

‘Les Peintures des Taxidermistes’ No.8. Art Print Photo by Sinke & Van Tongeren

By Sinke & Van Tongeren

Located in Haarlem, NL

This scene breathes abundance, while the measuring tape is a witty reminder for us to self-restrain.

Category

Early 17th Century Dutch Renaissance Antique Measuring Tapes

Materials

Paper

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Antique Measuring Tapes For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of antique measuring tapes available for sale. Frequently made of fabric, wool and wood, all antique measuring tapes available were constructed with great care. There are all kinds of antique measuring tapes available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. Antique measuring tapes are generally popular furniture pieces, but Victorian, Art Deco and Arts and Crafts styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Many antique measuring tapes are appealing in their simplicity, but Bradley & Hubbard produced popular antique measuring tapes that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Measuring Tapes?

Antique measuring tapes can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $9,995, while the lowest priced sells for $110 and the highest can go for as much as $199,995.